American Folk Music

Can anyone link me to any databases that have American folk songs that are out of copyright (meaning I can see their lyrics)?

I don't think you really have to worry about copyrights with any websites containing lyrics. Many sites feature copyright disclaimers anyway and they might even pay whatever copyright organisation with their advertising revenue's.

I'm not quite sure if it's even an issue with traditional folk lyrics, it probably isn't. Copyright on lyrics last like 70 years and the real traditionals are much older than that.

So, just google the songs you want to know...

If it's copyrighted and you want to perform them live, no big deal, the venue of your show (probably) already pays copyright organisations to be allowed to play music and have performances. If you want to record any for a commercial record (i.e. you want to sell it) you only have to fill in some forms stating which songs you use (and who the original writers are) and pay a few extra cents for each CD produced at the pressing plant you hired to make your CD's. In fact, even if you record and release original material you have to do that and fill in some release form (stating you are the owner of the works performed) so you get your copyright fee back at some later time (usually after a year)

If it's just for private entertainment it's not an issue at all.